Authors

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-1-1995

Publication Title

Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry

Volume

26

Issue

1

First page number:

65

Last page number:

75

Abstract

A multiple baseline design was used to assess the effects of social skills training (SST) in a 65-year-old woman suffering from major depression and severe macular degeneration. Responses to role-played scenarios requiring assertiveness, in vivo requests for assistance and social involvement, self-reported assertiveness, depression, and happiness were repeatedly recorded during baseline, treatment, and follow-up phases. Results showed progressive improvement in targeted social skills with SST in both clinic and home settings. Concurrent with enhanced levels of social skill were dramatic decreases of depression to a nonclinical level. Improved skill levels and diminished Geriatric Depression Scale scores were maintained during the 7-month follow-up period, except at the 6 month assessment after which booster treatment was applied to reinstate maximum improvement.